Ponting's leadership debate reaches Parliament

Sports Minister Michelle O'Byrne, who hails from Ponting's home town of Launceston, has issued a notice of motion on Ponting's leadership.

Written by Press Trust of India

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Melbourne:

In a clear sign that the entire country is struggling to digest the humiliating series defeat at the hands of India, the debate on Ricky Ponting's captaincy reached the Tasmanian parliament on Thursday.

Sports Minister Michelle O'Byrne, who hails from Ponting's home town of Launceston, has issued a notice of motion on Ponting's leadership even though she spoke highly of the Australian skipper.

"I have asked the house to recognise that Ricky has an outstanding record, not just as a player but also as captain of the Australian Test team," O'Byrne was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press (AAP), a news agency.

"I have asked the house to note the great pride that Tasmanians take in his performance as captain and as the world's premier batsman, and look forward to him continuing to lead our Test and One-day teams with distinction," O'Byrne said.

She was quite upset with some of the attacks on Ponting, which the minister felt was quite personal.

"He has been an incredible captain but the attacks seem to be very personal about his capacity to be the leader. That is not the problem - he just made a judgement that some people don't like."